Money Matters (I) (2011)

A moving and intimate film that follows Monique "Money" Matters (Terri Abney) caught at the brink of adolescence. Her relationship with her mother Pamela Matters (Aunjanue Ellis- RAY, MEN ... See full summary »

Director:

Ryan Richmond

Writer:

Ryan Richmond

Stars:

Terri Abney, Aunjanue Ellis, James Whalen

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Terri Abney	...	Monique 'Money' Matters
Aunjanue Ellis	...	Pamela Matters
James Whalen	...	Bobby Lewis
Victoria Wallace	...	Braids
Jaben Early	...	Con
London K. Powell	...	Tiki
Michel S. Wright	...	Ms. Spade
Antonio Lamberti	...	Drunk Man
Katie Foster	...	Resident
Vichelle Jones	...	Gang Girl 1
Saquita Simon	...	Gang Girl 2
Quartney Curtis	...	Gang Girl 3
Marietta Hedges	...	Karen
Regina Johnson	...	Doctor
Clayton Pelham Jr.	...	Street Kid 1 (as Clayton Pelham)

Storyline

A moving and intimate film that follows Monique "Money" Matters (Terri Abney) caught at the brink of adolescence. Her relationship with her mother Pamela Matters (Aunjanue Ellis- RAY, MEN OF HONER), is far from stable and depicts the struggle between a young mother and daughter who both come of age...together. Sharp and candid dialogue blur the roles of parent and child, revealing a family secret magnified by pain and years of regret. Money's daily routine; a three-bus commute to the Catholic school she attends, far from her dilapidated neighborhood, to another world where she feels just as uncomfortable. When she befriends a neighborhood girl who seems to understand her, their friendship develops in ways that push boundaries.

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Taglines:

Family can be complicated

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 November 2011 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Streamline Filmworks

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1 / (high definition)

User Reviews

Pretty Good

I'd give it a 10 out of 10 on story-line alone. I really enjoyed the different depictions and voices of a stressed mother-daughter relationship and how both women's choices and surrounding have affected their lives. In this film you get all sides of the plight in which Money Matters is consumed with. The manner in which it was filmed is also refreshing, it didn't feel like another insincere, watered down, over dramatic Hollywood story on a minority in a rough situation. It was believable, dignified, and I enjoyed the diversity in characters, and authenticity of the script and young actresses. I don't understand why it has received such low ratings. I really think the trailer did this film a gigantic injustice and they should re-shoot it because it makes the film look somewhat less appealing and compelling than it actually is (tacky-trailer-alert). Less can be more, and more concise. I watched it on netflix but I enjoyed it so much I am going to seek to buy the DVD.